Oregon SHAPE’s State Teacher of the Year program would like to honor excellence in our profession by recognizing two outstanding teachers!

Elementary Teachers of the Year

• Brack Hassell, Cascade Locks and Parkdale Elementary Schools, Hood River County School District
• Jordan Ng, West Powellhurst Elementary School, David Douglas School District

The Teacher of the Year awards are given in recognition of outstanding teaching performance and the ability to motivate today’s youth to participate in a lifetime of physical activity. These individuals were honored during the 2019 Oregon SHAPE Conference in Bend on October 11 & 12. 

Brack Hassell
Cascade Locks Elementary School
Parkdale Elementary School
Hood River School District

Brack Hassell is in his tenth year of teaching elementary physical education and his fourth year at Cascade Locks and Parkdale elementary schools in the Hood River County School District.  Brack is an active member of his community who creates a very positive, encouraging, and safe classroom environment where students feel comfortable trying new things and where mistakes are part of the learning process. His principal, Gus Hedberg, feels he really excels at helping kids feel successful because of how thoughtful he is about his lesson design and planning which includes non-traditional physical activities such as paddle boarding and skateboarding. His influence does not stop inside his gym classroom, as Brack is an important part of his school staff where he coaches teachers in staff meetings on how to provide physical activity “brain boosts” that can be used inside the classroom.  He also partners with his PTO on a number of things. Says Hedberg, “Brack is a master PE teacher, he is an incredibly hard-working and humble individual.  He is a leader in his school in many ways and his presence makes all of us better.”

Jordan Ng
West Powellhurst Elementary School
David Douglas School District

Jordan Ng’s goal since he began teaching 13 years ago at West Powellhurst Elementary School in the David Douglas School District has been to educate and inspire all students to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. His principal, Susan Olds, notes that he holds to the principles of quality physical education instruction that supports PE standards and is engaging for all kids.  Social and emotional learning is a cornerstone of Jordan’s teaching practice.  He utilizes the John Wooden Pyramid of Success, is encouraging and works to connect with all students in his school’s very diverse community.  He is sought out by university professors every year when they ask to place student teachers under Jordan’s direction and mentorship. Ng is also a leader for health and wellness at the district level.  He has led and been a member of the West Powellhurst school’s Wellness Committee. Says Olds, “Jordan is on the District Wellness Committee and works with other district professionals to bring activities and ideas to every school in our district to support staff health and wellness.  Jordan has a deep devotion to ensuring that our staff understands how to take care of themselves both physically and emotionally.”